Peasley: ‘Remote Bunco for Breast Cancer’ parties seek hosts

Published: Sunday, March 24, 2013 5:30 a.m. CDT

Susan Martino has cleared the hurdle of breast cancer – she and her two daughters each have endured this life-changing experience.

Martino and her daughters, Tracy Noe and Laura Littner, founded Bunco for Breast Cancer in 2005. A committee of volunteers encouraged donations for cancer research with this successful fundraiser in Crystal Lake. The best-ever Bunco was in 2011, when $70,000 was raised.

Since its inception, the yearly Bunco for Breast Cancer has raised $325,000.

“Everybody knows someone who has breast cancer. The experts predict the cure is about nine years away. Hopefully, our donations will help hasten the time,” Martino said

Bunco for Breast Cancer was attended by hundreds of people until 2012, when Martino and the committee decided to change their focus.

“We decided to spend less money staging a large event,” Martino explained, “so more of the donations would go to breast cancer research.”

“Remote Bunco for Breast Cancer” parties are hosted by small groups in their homes. For small registration fee for groups of 12 or more, the committee sends supplies and instructions for hosting a party. Proceeds are sent to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Martino expected to raise $4,000 or $5,000 in donations for 2012. Surpassing expectations, 10 remote bunco parties raised $10,000. With the help of donations and corporate sponsors, Martino sent a $30,000 check to Breast Cancer Research Foundation for 2012.

The Farm Bureau meeting room became a stage for children aspiring to become actors. For the past three Saturdays, Kathie Comella taught a stagecraft class for 4-H members age 7 to 12. Children learned the difference between upstage and downstage and how to project their voices and emotions. Laughter filled the room as students participated in acting games and improvisations.

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The McHenry County Fair Board will have a larger, improved beef/all-purpose building after the board’s vote to proceed with construction.

Jane Dahm, longtime fair board member and volunteer, is making a large donation to construct the new building. The Dahm family is giving the donation in memory of Jane’s husband, George, to honor his many years of work on beef exhibits and auction at the fair.

Ken Bauman, fair board president, said the building will be 74 feet by 120 feet and located north of the Hansen Pavilion. The building will be used for a beef exhibit during the fair and antiques and craft shows throughout the year.

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My thanks and appreciation to the many friends who expressed get-well wishes. Fortunately, I am back in action covering timely events!

• Don Peasley has been an editor, columnist and historian in McHenry County since October 1947. He began his association with Shaw Publications in 1950. He can be reached at 815-338-1533.